I've been in a few rock bands, the staple being myself and my lead guitarist, Rick. I'm currently in a 4-piece rock band temporarily called The Fluffs. We have no current stuff up, but
www.Myspace.com/TheFluffsMusic has some photos if you'd like to see. We have a solid image and a great sound. I'd love to be in a full side ukulele band just for fun. Here are some tips I'd like to share with the UU.
**If you'd like to play in a band, without making major record labels or much money, you don't need to check this out, but if you think you might like to, do so.
1. The Music -- No matter what has been said, the music is very important. A solid rythem is more important than a catchy melody. If the lead guitarist made a few mistakes in a riff, the crowd would less notice that over the drummer or bassist being off timing. Whatever genre you play (sadly, ukulele is not the most marketable) it needs to sound good.
2. The Image -- In real life, in 2008, you have to think. Why would a record label sign me? That girl over there has a great voice, why isn't she singing lead for that one band? Image, sadly (or maybe you like to dress up) is a major part of the music business. Why on this earth would a label sign you if you're the average Joe? An A&R (scout) says "Hey! I found this band, and they all wear makeup and have different identities. The bassist has a abnormally long tongue and spits blood and breathes fire! The drummer looks like a cat! Blah blah! Imagine the t-shirts, the pins... even the
action figures we could make with these guys!" Many glam 80's bands were signed just for their hair. This did not apply as much in older music, but I mean, even The Beatle's haircuts played a role. You must be marketable, I mean, the point is to make money off of you.
3. Band Personality -- One reason bands can make it easier than solo artists is because there are many personalities to choose from. "I like John Doe!" "Joe Shmoe is my favorite!" And so on. Maybe the frontman is a quiet poet. The lead guitar is a little rowdy. The bassist is a pyromaniac. Even if people fake it, it's good press and can contribute to how far your band makes it. Maybe your drummer is a major jerk in interviews, cusses the reporter out, etc. But you meet him backstage and he's a really easygoing and pleasant guy. That's just another thing for people to talk about.
4. Band Ethics -- You believe this. I believe that. I want to meet at 12. You want to meet at 2. Bands must compromise and share similar goals and views, or it can get really tough to stay together and tension grows extremely high. And when tension grows and your drummer has his metal drumsticks in his hands and you upset him, it isn't so fun anymore.
5. Promotions and shows -- You need to play and get noticed. That's the only way. You might get sponsors from sending in demos, but most bands in the new millennium make most of their money off of live shows and selling merch. The more you promote, (posters, free demo cd's, benefit shows, etc.) the more people know.
6. Persistance -- Whatever you do, you have to stick with it and it will just take you farther. If 2 people see your show and buy a t-shirt, that's moving forward. You can't fall backwards unless you do something very obscene or against the band/society's morals. On the other side of the coin, it can bring you to the top. (Manson)
I am not a professional motivational speaker, manager, musician, or any of that, but I plan to be and I can tell you that what I have listed can only help.
By the way..
How exciting! Have fun. That'd be a dream come true for me. Is 51 too old to be in a band? Let us know how it goes.
The Stones are still at it and how old are they? Never too old!
Take care, I hope I helped a bit. :music: